Joe Biden Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Sparks Global Support

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on Sunday. The 82-year-old leader, who served as the 46th President of the United States, sought medical consultation last week due to urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of the disease.

Biden’s medical team confirmed that he has a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, placing his condition in the “high-grade” category. This score indicates a fast-growing and potentially quickly spreading form of cancer. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, his office revealed that the cancer is hormone-sensitive — a factor that offers treatment flexibility and may improve management outcomes.

A spokesperson said, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

Reactions from World Leaders

The news triggered a wave of support from across the political and international spectrum. Former President Donald Trump extended his wishes for a “fast and successful recovery” to Biden and his family. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama both took to social media, expressing admiration for Biden’s resilience and offering their prayers.

Obama, who partnered with Biden on the original “Cancer Moonshot” initiative in 2016, said, “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other global leaders also sent their best wishes, praising Biden’s commitment to public health and cancer research.

A Lifelong Advocate for Cancer Research

Joe Biden has long championed cancer awareness, funding, and research, largely driven by the loss of his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. In 2022, he and First Lady Jill Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot, setting an ambitious goal of reducing cancer deaths by over four million by 2047.

His diagnosis brings renewed attention to prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men in the U.S. According to the CDC, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and the risk increases with age.

What’s Next for Biden?

Though no specific treatment plan has been made public, experts suggest Biden may undergo hormone therapy — a standard approach for managing metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. According to Dr. William Dahut of the American Cancer Society, while bone metastasis presents challenges, many patients respond well to initial therapies and can live for many years with the disease.

While Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis is serious, it’s not without hope. His legacy in promoting cancer research, coupled with advances in treatment, presents a strong foundation for his personal battle. As the world watches and wishes him well, Biden’s fight is more than just a personal health journey — it’s a reflection of his enduring advocacy and strength of character.